Returned and Gone Again

Had a great return to Fairbanks over the Holidays, but arrived almost in the status of protective custody--away from a difficult situation in Colorado. My mom passed away in December after a long battle with Alzheimers (she led a long and fascinating life), but sibs spent all the money, and now there's nothing to keep the household afloat until the issues of the Will, probate, and personal representative are settled. It's a train wreck, not my fault, but I'm in the middle trying to prevent collateral spillage and toxic waste.

Back in Alaska I skied something like 14 of 17 days, but kept a fairly low profile and didn't even do a real workout. Just skied. I tried some threshold reps at UAF toward the end of my stay but that got interrupted by a cow and calf moose on Big Whizzy, near where the Equinox Trail comes off of Sheep Creek Road. I zipped around the corner and there they were, the cow started stepping toward me and I had no time to even turn around, so I double-poled straight along a footpath until I was out of harms way. Maybe got 18 minutes of L3 effort in about 25 or 26 minutes on that workout.

Meanwhile, bounced to a number of potlucks and holiday gatherings. Barely just enough time to say hello and goodbye again to many many friends. Had at least one acquaintance ask, "Haven't you left yet?" No need to mention what ski club they belong to.

Other than seeing my family/friends and having some time to recuperate from the events of the previous months the best thing was the weather. Only one or two days where it got down to -20?! That's average. Enjoyed it, and the time outdoors.

The months and years ahead here in Colorado may well prove to be very challenging. I did find peace in Alaska, even though I may have stirred things up a bit, and enjoyed shaking up the standard order. For example, I will miss thrashing the likes of Bad Bob Baker week after week month after month for 10 years.

I'll miss it there, but also I'm at a time in life where I must face different and uncertain path.

Along the way though we will certainly find some nice trails.

So Happy New Year! And guess what?

I'm not quite done.

I have a few more posts here, and soon I think I'll start a Rocky Mountain blog.